CHARLOTTE AMALIE — Following his historic economic mission to West Africa last November, Governor Albert Bryan Jr. announced today that a high-level delegation from Ghana will arrive in St. Thomas next week for a public business forum.
The visit, scheduled for Tuesday, January 27, 2026, marks the “outcomes” phase of the Governor’s strategy to position the U.S. Virgin Islands as a strategic digital and financial bridge between the United States and the African Continental Free Trade Area.
The “By the Numbers” Breakdown:
- 5 Sectors of Focus: Banking/Finance, Fintech, GovTech, Energy/Infrastructure, and Tourism.
- 6 Hours of Engagement: The public forum runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Westin St. Thomas Beach Resort.
- One Strategic Goal: Expanding the St. Croix Free Trade Zone and launching the “Diaspora Link”—a proposed transatlantic fiber-optic cable connecting Ghana directly to the USVI.
The Fintech Frontier A major highlight of the upcoming forum is the focus on Fintech and Digital Payments. The delegation includes West African financial leaders looking to establish correspondent banking pathways and digital identity systems. For USVI entrepreneurs, this represents a rare opportunity to tap into one of the world’s fastest-growing digital economies.
“We are focused on outcomes,” Governor Bryan stated. “This is about building investable pathways that create jobs and opportunity for Virgin Islanders.”